The Trinity in the Bible

Trinity is one of those words we have all heard, but what does it really mean? From the beginning of time, or almost the very beginning, the concept was actually introduced. Some argue that the term, ‘Trinity’ is not in the Bible? Are there times when well known words are not in the Scriptures? So let’s explore the Trinity in the Bible.

The Trinity From Genesis

Genesis is the first book of the Old Testament. Genesis means beginning. Through its 50 chapters a few thousand years of history is traced. In Genesis 1:26 we see:

26 And God said, Let  make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

God is referring to himself plural. The OUR in this verse is composed of the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three are separate but all three make GOD.   — G  O  D  Three letters interesting…

So here is the Trinity in the very first chapter of the Bible.

let us make man

Trinity in the New Testament

Another example where you see all three heads of the God Head represented is at the Baptist of Christ. Matthew 3:16-17 detail this event.

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

First we see Jesus in His physical body walking down into the Jordan river and talking with John the Baptist. Then we see the heavens opening and the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove and landing on Jesus. Then they heard God the Father’s voice commending Jesus.

Three-in-One Examples

Moving on- Man himself is a reflection of the Trinity. We are composed of a body, soul, and spirit. Our body is our fleshly home. Our spirit is our mind- thoughts, aspirations, and conscience. And our soul is Christ in us the hope of glory. Until we are saved we are only two-dimensional. The third dimension is not added until we get saved and Christ moves into our lives.

Nature Reflecting the Triune Godhead

Triune means three. Tricycle means a three wheeled bike. Tri-state means a three state area. Triune God means he is composed of three parts.

Within nature we see some examples of the Trinity.

Water, the very foundation of the existence of life, is visible in three phases. We have the water, ice, and steam. All three are H2O but each is individual and exhibits different characteristics.

DSC00133

There are three heavens. The first is the atmosphere around us. The second heaven is space– where the sun, moon, and stars dwell. And the third heaven is God’s heavenly home, which will also be ours when our walk here on earth is done if we are saved.

And finally, our third example for the scope of this article is the building block of life- the atom. The atom is made up of a electrons, neutrons, and protons. Al three are necessary to the composition of the atom, but under a microscope we can see each is separate.

The Word Trinity in the Bible

The word Trinity is not in the Bible, but the concept clearly is. Another word often used is Rapture. Did you know it isn’t in the Bible either? But the event and the circumstances surrounding it are. Words like Rapture and Trinity are not in the Bible but we believe by faith in them. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Are there any words you have wondered about?

Headwaters Baptist Church